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‘Just akahawa,’ Riv rasped instead.

The woman handing him the steaming cup had no idea what was going through his mind.

Riv examined her with hooded eyes as he sampled the robust brew. It added heat to his innards, already warmed from just looking at her.

He imagined her as a giant, hawked warrior for a moment and tried to see it in her angelic face. There were hints of it under her skin, from her chiseled fierceness, alert stance, and the five feathers that bristled from her nape.

Moments later, his ardor cooled as he realise she was more unsettled than usual this morning.

Her eyes were red-rimmed, her mouth tight, and her body tense.

Riv wondered what was weighing her heart down, wanting to wrap his arms around her, press his lips to her temple, and tell her it would all be okay.

Still, she moved with lithe grace across the kitchen, tidying up after breakfast in the way he remembered. She’d always preferred a neat space.

Every so often, their eyes would meet between her chores, and a savage arc of need would jolt between them in a high wire of feeling.

She glanced away each time, her gaze skittish.

He smirked as he sipped his drink.

The tension between them was palpable, like a hot-wired current in the air.

Élisa’s pull on him was ratcheting; his desire was fast-tracking. Nothing she did would keep him from needing her.

He bit his lips as she bustled around him, her grace only accentuating her curves and sensuality.

Every movement she made only heightened his need.

He had to pull his mind away from her allure. ‘Where’s Killen?’

Élisa started at his question. ‘He left at midnight.’

‘Walkabout, was it?’

Élisa nodded. ‘He should be back in a few days. When he decides he’s ready.’

She paused like she’d had a sudden thought. ‘I’ll cover your cost for the extra days waiting for his return.’

Riv hid a grimace at having to keep up the Ribau act. ‘That’ll be appreciated; otherwise, I’ll have to leg it to Galicia empty-handed.’

‘I’m sure our gold will cover your expected fee. I’ll add a few bags to ensure your silence.’

‘You’re assuming I can be bought.’

She nailed him with a side eye. ‘You want our gold or not?’

He shrugged. ‘Bring it. I’m sure Trevilian would have taken a handsome cut anyway. If I return empty-handed, they will remain so while I pocket my stash. Winning. I’ve always wanted to stick it to them for all the jobs they’ve stiffed me for.’

She gave him a half smile, and he sensed her mind was elsewhere.

He cleared his throat. ‘So what shall we do while we wait? Sightseeing?’

He had a few private ideas, but he doubted Élisa would be down for endless hours of lovemaking with a man who looked like he’d be her grizzled uncle.

He forced himself to the present as she shook her head and pursed her lips. ‘Ribau, we’ve plenty to do. If you’re ready to work.’

‘I’m always ready.’For you.